Abstract: Infrared radiation-sensitive, positive-working lithographic printing plate precursors have improved scratch resistance in their outermost imageable layer because that layer comprises a unique combination of first and second alkali solution-soluble or -dispersible resins. The first alkali solution-soluble or -dispersible resin is an acid-functionalized novolak or acid-functionalized resole resin. The second alkali solution-soluble or -dispersible resin is a polyurethane or polyurethane urea comprising a polysiloxane unit segment in the polyurethane or polyurethane urea backbone or a side chain.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing leather including an ink acceptor applicator that applies ink directly onto a surface of the leather; an ink applicator that applies ink to the ink acceptor and/or the leather surface; an additive applicator that applies additive onto the ink acceptor, the ink and/or the leather surface; a barrier having a surface configured to contact the acceptor, ink and additive on the leather surface; and a heater that heats the surface of the barrier to a predetermined temperature or a temperature within a selected temperature range such that the barrier, which is substantially impervious to the ink and has a melting point higher than the select temperature range, contacts at least the acceptor ink and additive on the surface directly to liquify the acceptor ink and additive into the leather and the acceptor, ink and additive fuses and penetrates into the leather.

Abstract: Igniter base for a pyrotechnic initiator has a glass base together with fused-in contact pins that function as a pole carrier and thus fixes the contact pins in secure correlation to one another. The end side of the glass base and the contact pins form a level plane, so that an ignition bridge resting flush on the glass base can be attached to the poles. The contact pins project beyond the glass base on the opposite side and a part of the glass base and a part of the contact pins projecting beyond the glass base are equipped with a plastic jacketing.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for controlling the shape and direction of an explosion may include sensing the direction of an incoming threat, calculating an intercept vector for the threat, and triggering an explosive device in a manner that may generate an intercepting force directed along the intercept vector. According to one embodiment, a system may include a sensor configured to detect the direction of an incoming threat, an explosive device including an explosive and a plurality of embedded detonators, and a firing sequence calculator connected to receive information from the sensor regarding the direction of the threat and to trigger the detonators sequentially to produce an explosion having a selected shape, direction and intensity to create a counteracting force in response to the incoming threat.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved cartridged projectile (100). The cartridged projectile (100) comprises a projectile (110) seating at a mouth of a cartridge case (130). The cartridge case (130) has a base (134) that houses a high pressure chamber (150). A side of the high pressure chamber (150) is capped by a pressure disc (170), which is secured onto the base of the cartridge case by a nozzle ring (160). The nozzle ring (160) has a tapered or conical surface that allows the pressure disc (170) to flex, and a surface (171) of the pressure disc (170) exterior of the high pressure chamber has intersecting V-shaped grooves (172). When propellant in the high pressure chamber (150) is burned efficiently, high pressure gases developing inside the high pressure chamber cause the pressure disc (170) to rupture at a predetermined pressure along the grooves (172) so that the gases propel the projectile (110) out of a barrel at a higher speed of about 100 m/s or more.

Abstract: A warhead 10 with selectable output can provide either a high-yield mode for a wide area of damage or a low-yield mode for restricting damage to a confined area. The warhead 10 includes a casing 14 having one or more partitions 16 that separate the casing 14 into multiple compartments. Each compartment includes an explosive charge. The multiple compartments include at least a first compartment 20 with a first explosive charge 22 and a first igniter 30, and a second compartment 24 separate from the first compartment 20 with a second explosive charge 26 and a second igniter 32. The second compartment 24 has a deflagration charge 34 for selectively destroying the second explosive charge 26 without detonation.

Abstract: A grenade includes a body having at least one interior chamber; a fuze assembly attached to the body, that fuze assembly being capable of detonating the grenade and a safety lever movable between a first position to a second position which engages the fuze assembly. A firing pin is engageable with the safety lever to prevent the lever from being moved to the second position. A retaining clip retains the firing pin and prevents premature release of the pin from the grenade wherein the retaining clip is integrated within the safety lever.

Abstract: A gas generator includes, a housing comprising circumferential wall plates of a diffuser shell and a closure shell, an ignition device chamber, a combustion chamber surrounding the ignition device chamber and containing a gas generating agent, an annular or flat-plate filter disposed facing the top plate and spaced from the circumferential wall plate, a first support including a disk-shaped portion abutting against and supporting an upper surface of the filter, including communication holes only at a section in contact with the filter, a second support including an annular flat portion abutting against and supporting a lower surface of the filter and cylindrical wall portion fixed to the housing. A gap is formed between the top plate of the housing and the circumferential wall plate and the first support member, when a pressure inside the combustion chamber increases due to combustion and the top plate is deformed.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a manually operated arrangement (“A”) and a method, adaptable for a transfer along a longitudinal extension of a rail (1) and intended to be able to secure said rail to a subjacent crosstie (2) by a horizontal transfer of clips (3: 3a), included in fastening elements (4), and displaceably oriented in relation to a holder (5) included in the fastening element (4), where the holder (5, 5a) co-operates firmly with said crosstie (2). The respective one of said clips (3; 3a) is adapted to, by a movement, allow displacing the clips (3: 3a) horizontally for a clamping of the rail base (1c) in relation to the holder (5). An opposed first pair (6a, 6b) of a first lever-shaped means (6) is adapted to, via its lower end areas (6aa, 6ab) co-operate with the clips. For this purpose, the invention provides a means (20, 21, 23) lifting the crosstie (2) with holders (5) and clips (3) up to the rail base, which means is adapted adjustable in height (“D”).

Abstract: A trolley transport system comprising at least two supports aligned in proximity to the cable, a pulley rotatably mounted to each support, a drive motor in mechanical communication with one of the pulleys, a continuous loop line suspended from the pulleys, an attachment device secured to the line, a connecting line secured to the attachment device; and a transport block slidably mounted on the cable and removably attached to the connecting line.

Abstract: A trolley braking system for smoothly reducing the speed of a rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope approaching a landing platform comprises a cylinder having a closed end and a piston slidably mounted in the interior. A braking cable is secured to the piston and routed through an opening in the closed end of the cylinder to a braking block, which is slidably mounted on the cable between the trolley and the landing platform. The system may also may also include a relief valve to release compressed air from the cylinder, so that the braking force may be controlled.

Abstract: A trolley braking system for smoothly reducing the speed of a rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope approaching a landing platform comprises a vessel containing a fluid of selected viscosity and having a turbine rotatably mounted on a shaft in the interior. A braking cable is secured to a reel on the turbine shaft outside the cylinder and routed through a pulley to a braking block, which is slidably mounted on the cable between the trolley and the landing platform. The system may also may also include turbine blades of adjustable dimensions, so that the braking force may be controlled. The system may also include a counterweight suspended by a retraction cable which is coupled to the turbine shaft to rewind the braking cable on the reel for repeated use.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes first and second surfaces, in a first travel direction of the vehicle. The first surface is exposed to an air flow having a local main flow direction. In a region of a recess on the vehicle, the first surface forms a flow separation edge where the air flow is deflected from the first surface. The recess is delimited by a leading first wall facing the local main flow direction and a trailing second wall. The flow separation edge extends transversely to the local main flow direction over a majority of a transverse dimension of the recess. In the local main flow direction, the second surface borders on the flow separation edge and forms a part of the first wall. The second surface is disposed so that it is inclined like a chamfer about an acute angle of inclination relative to the local main flow direction.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The auxiliary power unit assembly for a locomotive includes an auxiliary power unit removably coupleable to a rail car chassis. The auxiliary power unit includes a housing, and an auxiliary engine-generator set positioned within the housing. The auxiliary engine-generator set is configured to provide an auxiliary power to the locomotive. The auxiliary power unit also includes an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the auxiliary engine-generator set. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive a command and control at least one aspect of the auxiliary power unit in response to the command.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be affixed to a standard railcar thereby converting a standard railcar into a self-propelled railcar, such self-propelled railcar having the capacity to move independently and serve as a locomotive for moving other railcars. The apparatus includes a railcar drive assembly that can be retrofitted to a railcar in such a manner that the hydraulic motor, hoses, and connectors of the drive assembly motor mechanism are positioned below the bed of the railway car and between the drive assembly housing and the railway car's wheel-and-truck assembly. This drive assembly design ensures that the drive assembly motor mechanism's hydraulic motor, hoses, and connectors are protected from general railway track debris as well as obstructions in the railroad right of way, and helps prevent unnecessary damage or the need for untimely maintenance.

Abstract: An obstacle deflector provided at a front portion of an underframe of a carbody of a railcar includes an obstacle deflecting plate configured to protect the carbody from an obstacle on a railway track when the railcar is traveling. The obstacle deflecting plate includes a main plate portion provided to receive the obstacle by a surface thereof and having a curved shape that is convex toward a front side in a traveling direction in plan view and a sub plate portion projecting toward a rear side from the main plate portion and is continuously provided along the main plate portion so as to extend from a convex, curved front end portion of the main plate portion toward a pair of left and right side portions of the main plate portion, the left and right side portions being located at the rear side in the traveling direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a calcium sulphate-based product comprising a phosphate as additive for increased fire resistance. Particularly preferred phosphate additives may be those containing aluminium or ammonium ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biolatex conjugate compositions and methods of production and use thereof. The novel biolatex conjugate compositions comprise a biopolymer-additive complex (prepared by co-extruding a biopolymer feedstock, at least one performance-enhancing additive, and at least one plasticizer under shear forces) reacted with a crosslinking agent under shear forces. The biolatex conjugate compositions exhibit enhanced performance properties for coated paper, paperboard, and other applications using extremely low levels of performance-enhancing additives.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an additive package for warm-mix asphalt formulations for the pavement of road surfaces, said additive package comprising a) surfactant component, and b) an asphalt rheology modifying component, wherein said asphalt rheology modifying component comprises at least one of a i) a wax component and ii) a resin component. The invention also relates to a warm mix asphalt having improved compaction at lower temperatures, and to a pavement made from said warm mix asphalt.

Abstract: Paint formulations are neutralized with a non-VOC neutralizing agent. The neutralizing agent is a neutralized amino acid or intermediate, an amino phosphate, an amino phosphonate, amino sulfate, or amino sulfonate wherein the neutralizing agent has a pKa2 of at least 9. These neutralizing agents can be used to provide a paint formulation within a pH range of 8 to 10 and do not add any volatile organic compounds to the paint formulation.

Abstract: A biobased plasticizer and a surface covering are disclosed. The biobased plasticizer includes an ester formed as a reaction product of a furan derivative selected from the group consisting of furoic acid, furfural and furfuryl alcohol reacted with a carboxylic acid or an alcohol, or includes an ester formed as a reaction product of a biobased aromatic compound and a biobased aliphatic compound. The surface covering is plasticized with a composition comprising an ester formed as a reaction product of a functionalized aromatic heterocyclic compound reacted with a carboxylic acid or an alcohol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Thermoanaerobacter sp. bacterial strain (BKHI) isolated from a hot spring, a purified protein (bioremediase) isolated from bacterial strain BKH1, as well as concrete compositions comprising BKH1 and/or the protein, and methods o fusing the protein and/or composition. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the protein isolated from BKHI, as well as expression vectors, host cells, cell lines, and methods for generating and purifying the bioremediase protein.

Abstract: A screw and nut assembly includes a movable platform, a first screw and nut set with the first screw rod affixed between two locating members and the first screw nut pivotally mounted in the movable platform, a second screw and nut set with the second screw nut pivotally mounted in the movable platform, a driving mechanism for driving first screw nut and said second screw nut simultaneously for causing the first screw nut to create a first speed and the second screw nut to create a second speed slower than and reversed to the first speed, and a first support and a second support respectively affixed to the second screw rod to support and to move with the second screw rod. Thus, the gap between the movable platform and each support is changed subject to movement of the screw nuts.

Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.

Abstract: An extensible partition includes a partition including a display area for displaying an image and configured to be rolled, and a roller for rolling the partition, the roller being coupled with a first end of the partition.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a waste gas purification apparatus, and more particularly, to a waste gas combustion apparatus to burn and process waste gases. The disclosure provides the waste gas combustion apparatus to process the waste gases generated in an industrial process, such as a chemical process, a semiconductor manufacturing process, or an LCD manufacturing process. The waste gas combustion apparatus includes a combustion gas supply unit provided with a first combustion region in which the waste gases are primarily burned by supply of fuel gases which are pre-mixed with diluted fuel gases, and a second combustion region which is supplied with support gases so as to completely burn fuel gases which are not reacted in the first combustion region.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The instructions instruct the information processing device to execute steps including randomly arranging a plurality of embroidery patterns within a coordinate area set in an embroidery frame that is moved in two directions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a guide roller which is arranged at the lower outer periphery of the Magnus rotor and which bears against the Magnus rotor in play-free relationship, a walkway surface arranged beneath the guide roller, and a cover which covers the guide roller and the walkway surface. In an opened condition the cover exposes the guide roller and the walkway surface so that a person on the walkway surface can perform working operations at the guide roller.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sailing vessel comprising a buoyancy body at which a rotatable keel is held which can be adjusted by setting a rudder.

Abstract: A turbine integrated within a hydrofoil extracts energy from a free-flowing motive fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the turbine is of the crossflow variety with runner blades coaxial to the width of the hydrofoil. The foremost edge of the hydrofoil comprises a slot covered by a continuously adjustable gate for controlling the overall drag imposed by the turbine. The hydrofoil mounts to a sailing vessel by means of a gimbal on a structure affixed to the hull, enabling the turbine to optimally respond to changes in direction of the free-flowing motive fluid and facilitating guidance and stability of the vessel.

Abstract: A body board (1) has a heat engine (10) and an automatic starter (11), which is capable of moving in waves and remaining on the water when the engine is stopped, and onto which the user holds in order to be pulled along in the water in a body-drag position.

Abstract: The problem of providing a submerged vehicle with above-the-surface communications to a nearby vessel, shore platform, or satellite while traveling at operating speed is solved by an efficiently deployable tethered tow body having a hydrodynamic and buoyant hull body and incorporating a lift-generating wing that provides hydrodynamic lift to efficiently lift the tow body containing antennas and other communications devices to the surface. The tow body allows for stable operation during underwater tow, surface tow, and transitions between underwater tow and surface tow. Disclosed embodiments include communications apparatuses encompassing the principles of the tethered tow body, as well as various underwater systems that incorporate a tethered tow body or communications apparatus for establishing communications with a nearby vessel, shore platform, or satellite.

Abstract: Deflectors configured to be attached to cables towed behind a vessel for performing a marine survey are provided. A deflector has a wing body including a first part joined to a second part to form a swept-back-wing shape, the first part and the second part being substantially coplanar. A first straight line stretching along at least a portion of a front edge of the first part makes a first angle with a second straight line stretching along at least a portion of a front edge of the second part. A third straight line stretching along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the first part makes a second angle with a fourth straight line stretching along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the second part, the first angle and the second angle being non-zero angles.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a glide assembly for a watercraft float having a base with a bottom surface substantially mated to a watercraft receiving area of the float and a cavity, a glide member, an axle, and a securing mechanism allowing for the glide assembly to be positioned at different locations on the float, where the glide assembly reduces the amount of force required to receive and launch the watercraft.

Abstract: An offshore system for drilling or production includes a buoyant hull. In addition, the offshore system includes a topside mounted to the hull and positioned above the surface of the water. Further, the offshore system includes a conductor having a lower end disposed in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end coupled to the topside. Still further, the offshore system includes a bend restrictor disposed about the conductor. The bend restrictor has a lower end positioned in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end positioned above the sea floor.

Abstract: An offshore system for drilling or production comprises a buoyant hull. In addition, the system comprises a topside mounted to the hull and positioned above the surface of the water. Further, the system comprises a conductor having a lower end disposed in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end coupled to the topside. Still further, the system comprises a bend restrictor disposed about the conductor. The bend restrictor comprises a first sleeve having a lower end positioned in the sea bed below the sea floor, an upper end positioned above the sea floor, an inner surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, an outer surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, and a slit extending helically about the first sleeve. The slit extends radially from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first sleeve.

Abstract: Column-stabilized floating offshore platform structure for dry tree application is provided. The offshore floating platform can include a deck, a jacket frame attached to the bottom of the deck for supporting the deck, a hull structurally coupled with the jacket frame for providing buoyancy and a restoring force to stabilize the platform, and a mooring system coupled with the hull for maintaining the position of the platform. A method for providing the offshore floating platform is also provided.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle configured to be remote-controllable and maneuverable includes a device which is configured to uncover a submerged object. The device comprises a working nozzle configured to conduct a water flow and a counter pressure nozzle configured to counteract the working nozzle.

Abstract: A multiple stage buoyancy changing system, or variable buoyancy device, for an underwater vehicle. The multiple stage buoyancy changing system comprises: a pressure hull containing a flexibly-sized internal fluid reservoir; a flexibly-sized external fluid reservoir attached to the pressure hull and connected to the internal reservoir; a system of devices and channels configured to move fluid between the internal fluid reservoir and the external fluid reservoir to change a displaced volume of the vehicle. Each stage of the variable buoyancy device can be optimized for maximum energy efficiency while changing the vehicle's displaced volume within an ambient pressure range. A control system for the variable buoyancy device engages different stages depending on ambient external pressure such that maximum energy efficiency is achieved over a large range of pressures/depths.

Abstract: Disclosed is water craft providing inventive features to achieve a double-decked vessel having: a.) substantially continuous, flat and open upper deck; b.) a substantially continuous and fiat lower deck with an enclosed fore section and an exposed aft section forming a swim deck; and c.) a system of collapsible bulwarks in the upper and swim decks that permit: the vessel to transition from a traditional configuration (better suited for travel) to an open configuration (better suit for entertainment activities while stationary).

Abstract: Disclosed is a slide piece for a stowable bimini frame associable with a tower structure of a watercraft, the slide piece including a slide piece body portion, at least one frame association structure extending from the body portion, the at least one frame association structure being configured to slidingly associate the bimini frame with the slide piece body portion, and an affixing surface of the slide piece body portion, the affixing surface being positioned and configured for associating the slide piece body portion with the tower structure of the watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft having a chair with seat securely carried on the watercraft, the chair having a tubular frame comprising a seat frame, a back frame, and arms above and at each side of the seat frame. The seat and back frames are joined via a hinged connection. The front support legs extend downwardly from the front of each of the arms and terminate in a foot-like projection. A U-shaped rear chair support having downwardly extending portions at the rear of each of the arms, which are joined at their lower extremity by a horizontal portion. The surface of the watercraft has adhered thereto two spaced apart shoes for receiving the feet.

Abstract: An optically readable ambient condition history indicator can have a substrate, an indicator agent on the substrate surface, and a transparent layer overlying the indicator agent. The indicator agent can be capable of changing appearance in response to exposure to an ambient condition and the transparent layer can be subject to exposure to environmental ultraviolet radiation. The indicator can also include a radiation-filtering adhesive layer overlying the indicator agent to secure the transparent layer to the indicator agent, which adhesive layer can include an adhesive and an ultraviolet radiation filter and can contact both the transparent layer and the indicator agent-bearing substrate. The radiation-filtering adhesive layer can protect the indicator agent from ultraviolet radiation transmitted through the transparent layer and provide a simple, robust construction that is easy to manufacture and resists delamination. The adhesive itself is also protected from ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Air leaks in a seal beneath a vacuum bag are detected using a leak detection film inside the vacuum bag. The film includes a gas permeable binder and a gas sensitive material held in the binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for subjecting a spatial area to acoustic oscillation in the ultrasound range or the ultrasound near range, provided with a housing (2) comprising a plurality of irradiation surfaces (20) wherein cylindrical cavities are formed as resonator spaces (22). The housing (2) has a cylindrical inner space (24) and is penetrated by a rotationally fixed vertical axis (4) divided into two. The first part (4?) of said rotationally fixed shaft (4) is formed by an outer bearing flange (40) and an inner bearing flange (45) with distancing bolts (44) screwed thereinbetween, and an electrical motor (6) and a reduction gear (7) are arranged between the two bearing flanges. The second part (4?) of the rotationally fixed shaft (4) is formed by a pot-shaped sleeve (48) to which a collector ring (61) is fixed, a current collector (62) lying on the collector ring (61) in a sliding manner and being connected to the rotating housing (2).

Abstract: A nonlinear optical crystal having a chemical formula of YiLajAlkB16O48, where 2.8?i?3.2, 0.8?j?1.2, i and j sum to about four, and k is about 12 is provided. The nonlinear optical crystal is useful for nonlinear optical applications including frequency conversion. Nonlinear optical crystals in a specific embodiment are characterized by UV blocking materials (e.g., some transition metals and lanthanides) at concentrations of less than 1,000 parts per million, providing high transmittance over portions of the UV spectrum (e.g., 175-360 nm).

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for production of an aluminum nitride single crystal that produces the aluminum nitride single crystal by heating an aluminum nitride raw material to sublimate the raw material, thereby to recrystallize the aluminum nitride onto a seed crystal, which includes a growth vessel that accommodates the aluminum nitride raw material, and is composed of a material that has corrosion resistance with respect to the aluminum gas generated upon sublimation of the aluminum nitride raw material, and a heating element that is arranged on the outside of the growth vessel, and heats the aluminum nitride raw material through the growth vessel, wherein the growth vessel includes a main body which has an accommodation section that accommodates the aluminum nitride and a lid which seals the accommodation section of the main body hermetically, and wherein the heating element is composed of a metal material containing tungsten.

Abstract: A load lock includes a chamber including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a partition between the upper portion and the lower portion, the partition including an opening therethrough. The load lock further includes a first port in communication with the upper portion of the chamber and a second port in communication with the lower portion of the chamber. The load lock includes a rack disposed within the chamber and a workpiece holder mounted on a first surface of the rack, wherein the rack and the workpiece holder are movable by an indexer that is capable of selectively moving wafer slots of the rack into communication with the second port. The indexer can also move the rack into an uppermost position, at which the first surface of the boat and the partition sealingly separate the upper portion and the lower portion to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Auxiliary processing, such as wafer pre-cleaning, or metrology can be conducted in the upper portion.

Abstract: A base material for growing a single crystal diamond that includes at least a single crystal SiC substrate, and an iridium film or a rhodium film heteroepitaxially grown on a side of the single crystal SiC substrate where the single crystal diamond is to be grown. As a result, there is provided a base material for growing a single crystal diamond and a method for producing a single crystal diamond substrate which can grow the single crystal diamond having a large area and good crystallinity and produce a high quality single crystal diamond substrate at low cost.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide single-crystal having a diameter of more than 100 mm and a maximum height of 20 mm or more using a sublimation method includes the following steps. That is, there are prepared a seed substrate made of silicon carbide and a silicon carbide source material. By sublimating the silicon carbide source material, the silicon carbide single-crystal is grown on a growth surface of the seed substrate. In the step of growing the silicon carbide single-crystal, a first carbon member provided at a position facing a side wall of the seed substrate is etched at a rate of 0.1 mm/hour or less. By suppressing a change in growth condition for the silicon carbide single-crystal in the crucible, there can be provided a method for manufacturing a silicon carbide single-crystal so as to stably grow the silicon carbide single-crystal.